Comfrey root. Comfrey root contains tannins, mucilage, caffeic acid derivatives (including rosmarinic acid), allantoin and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. see also Symphytum officinalis L.
No pharmacopoeial qualitydefined.
HMPC monograph: traditional use: external for sprains and minor bruises.
HMPC noted 4 clinical trials conducted with another comfrey preparation. According to these studies, reduction of swelling and pain. However, the exact composition of the herbal preparation used was not known, therefore the status of well-established use was not granted.
ESCOP mon ograph: externally for pain and swelling of muscles and joints, joint arthritis, acute back pain, muscle strains, bruises and sprains, epicondylitis, tenosynovitis and periarthritis
Commission e-monograph: externally for bruises, strains and sprains
Empirical medicine: adjuvant for gastritis, nervous irritable stomach, stomach cramps, adjuvant for irritable bladder, enuresis nocturna